IOSR Journal of Nursing and Health Science (IOSR-JNHS) e-ISSN: 2320–1959.p- ISSN: 2320–1940 Volume 9, Issue 1 Ser. XV. (Jan - Feb. 2020), PP 32-39 www.iosrjournals.org DOI: 10.9790/1959-0901153239 www.iosrjournals.org 32 | Page Psychoeducational Program: Doesit Improve Depressive Symptoms in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Ebtsam Abd El Monim Mohamed 1, Sorayia Ramadan Abd-Elfatah 2, Gihan Omar 3 ,AmanyAnter Mohammed 4 1Assistant lecturer of psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Minia University 2Professor of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Ain shams University 3 Professors of Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine-Minia University 4Lecturer of psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Minia University Abstract Background: Depressive symptoms have been listed as one of the most psychological symptom of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is considered a useful target for psychoeducational interventions aimed at improving health status and psychological wellbeing. This study aimed atassesses the effect of psychoeducational program on depressive symptoms among RA patients.Research question:Does the implementation of psychoeducational program could improve symptoms of depression in RA patients. Quasi experimental research design was utilized to conduct the aim of the study. Study subjects:Established diagnosed 80 RA patients was included in the study. Two tools were used;Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) version Ito assess depressive symptoms and Health assessment questionnaire-disability index (HAQ-DI) to assess disease- related disability. Result:Majority of participants werefemales with age (20-65) y,there was significant positive correlation between depressive symptoms and disability levels(r = .81 at P= .0001). Statistically significant difference was detected through assessment (pre, post and followup) regarding depressive symptoms and disability levels(p=0.001).Conclusion:it can be concluded that psychoeducational program was effective in improving outcomes in RA patients include depressive symptoms and disability levels. Recommendation of the study:regular assessment of depressive symptomsand applying psychoeducational intervention during follow-up visitsof RA patients. Key Word: Rheumatoid Arthritis(RA), Depressive symptoms, Psychoeducation, Disability -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Date of Submission: 19-02-2020 Date of Acceptance: 03-03-2020 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I. Introduction Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a major public health problem among adults around the world 1, 2 , with 5 and 50 per 100,000 people newly developing the condition each year 3 . Depressive symptoms have been listed as the most common symptom among psychological problems of patients with RA and may occur with at least mild severity in up to 42% of patients 4 . RA patients suffering from concomitant depression had a 7.2% increase in medical costs 5,6 and their likelihood of mortality compared with patients with RA only was more than doubled 7 . Several studies have shown that chronic pain was an important risk factor for developing depression in RA patients 8 . Furthermore, physical comorbidities, disability or limiting the ability to engage in meaningful life activities and dysfunctional beliefs about RA may also be another possible cause for a higher prevalence of depressive disorder in RA patients 9 . Addressing depressive symptoms of RA is very important because it's negatively impacts patients in a variety of ways. It considered a useful target for interventions aimed at improving health status and psychological wellbeing 11, 10 . A large number of psychoeducational intervention studies have been developed for use with patients with rheumatic disease including RA. The primary target of the psychoeducational interventions has usually been; pain reduction, but they have also aimed to enhance psychological well-being involving depression and physical functioning and to reduce health care utilization, so improve quality of life 3, 12 . While most interventions convey information regarding the condition, they vary considerably in the other components they include. The components can involve specific training such as biofeedback, relaxation, or exercise. They can focus more on social issues such as social support or on cognitive techniques to manage pain or strategies to affect behavioral change. These multi-component interventions have come to be known as psychoeducational, or more usually, self-management interventions 13, 14 and all are aimed at enhancing patients’ confidence and ability to manage their illness and its symptoms on a daily basis and so reduce psychological distress including depressive symptoms 12, 15 .